A video showing a man following women into a bathroom at a Sandton restaurant and threatening them has gone viral on social media, prompting widespread outrage.
The incident happened at Vlamo restaurant at Sandton Gate, where the man is heard angrily confronting the women inside the ladies’ bathroom.
The women are not visible in the footage circulating online.
At one point, the man is heard saying: “I’ll murder you now and walk.”
He also tells the women: “I’ll put a bullet in all of you.”
The man is heard making a series of other remarks, including claiming that he could buy and own the restaurant and describing himself as a wealthy man.
“I buy this restaurant. I own it,” he says in the video.
“I’m a wealthy man. You guys are poor ladies.”
He also insults one of the women, telling her: “You’re a cheap b**ch and you will remain that.”
The footage shows the man continuing to confront the women despite knowing he was being recorded.
The video has since spread widely across social media, with many South Africans expressing anger over the threats and the fact that the confrontation took place inside a women’s bathroom.
Vlamo responds
Vlamo has since issued a statement distancing itself from the man and confirming that the incident took place at its establishment.
The restaurant said the individual was not affiliated with, employed by or associated with Vlamo, despite claims made during the confrontation.
“Once management became aware of the incident, immediate action was taken and the individual was removed from the premises,” the restaurant said.
Vlamo said the safety, dignity and wellbeing of women, guests and staff were taken seriously and that it had “zero tolerance” for behaviour that compromises anyone’s safety or experience.
The restaurant also said its immediate concern following the incident was the wellbeing of the women involved.
“We are in contact with them and are committed to supporting them through the appropriate processes following the incident,” it said.
Vlamo added that it would continue to provide cooperation and assistance where required.
The restaurant said the behaviour seen in the video did not represent the values or environment it sought to uphold.
“We remain committed to providing a safe, respectful and welcoming environment for everyone who walks through our doors,” the statement said.
Viral video comes amid GBV anger
The video has emerged as South Africa is once again grappling with intense public anger over violence against women.
Nine women have been found dead in Ekurhuleni since July, with police investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths and working to establish whether the cases are connected.
The deaths have renewed national attention on gender-based violence and femicide, with civil society groups and communities demanding greater action to protect women.
Against that backdrop, the Sandton restaurant video has prompted another wave of discussion about threats and intimidation directed at women.
The identity of the man in the video has been widely discussed on social media.
However, his name has not been included here because it has not been independently confirmed by police.
It is also not yet clear from the information available whether a criminal case has been opened in connection with the incident.
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